Israeli guns had hardly fallen silent over Lebanon as Gen. Michel Aoun began his own frontal assault, taking on Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and his government.
The retired Lebanese Army general, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, was highly critical of Siniora over his refusal to resign. A resignation of the government at this time would plunge Lebanon into a deeper crisis than the one it just experienced.
In an editorial in Beirut's English language The Daily Star, the newspaper opined that with the Security Council resolution calling for an end of hostilities, pledges from the international community of $940 million to help Lebanon rebuild, calls on Israel to lift its blockade of Lebanon and the Syrians agreeing to step up their army presence along the border in order to prevent the illegal arms from entering Lebanon, it would seem that "recent international developments are cause for optimism."
All should be well for Lebanon, "Right?
"Wrong," says The Daily Star. "One crucial component - statesmanship - is conspicuously missing."
Indeed, the lack of true statesmen, leaders who think for the wellbeing of the country above that of their clan has always been a curse on Lebanon. Instead, Lebanon has been governed, for the most part, by godfather-like figures that look after the immediate interests of their own political-sectarian clans, rather than for the benefit of the nation as a whole.
One would assume that at a time as crucial as the present time for Lebanon, after a devastating 34-day war that destroyed much of the country's infrastructure, all politicians would show solidarity, placing the nation's interest and wellbeing first and foremost, leaving the bickering for later.
But no such luck.
Gen. Aoun criticized Siniora's refusal to resign, saying his government is bound to collapse any time.
However, if there was one Lebanese politician who throughout this 34-day crisis behaved for the good of Lebanon, it was indeed Prime Minister Siniora. He proved to be a brilliant politician, an astute tactician and seemed to be at the right place at the right time, arguing for Lebanon, at times not afraid to cry in front of the world's cameras, not embarrassed to show his emotions. He was genuine. And he was the only shining light that kept Lebanon together during one of the country's most grueling times.
This did not seem good enough to satisfy the General, who does not hide his presidential ambitions.
"Siniora will pay for his stubbornness and this could happen any time - then he won't even have time to gather his belongings because he will find himself forced to leave quickly," Aoun told the As Safir daily.
To me this sounds more as a threat; this kind of talk one usually expects from an enemy, not from a political opponent and certainly not in times of crisis. What are needed at this time in Lebanon, are politicians who look beyond their shortsightedness of their politico-sectarian gatherings, and to toil for the reconstruction of all of Lebanon.
True, the General's Free Patriotic Movement claims to be multi-confessional, but let it be multi-partisan too. Let the General show he can work with others for the good of the country.
Aoun's comments came after Siniora said at a press conference Wednesday that his government will not resign despite calls by the opposition to do so.
"As long as the cabinet enjoys parliament's support, democracy will continue and the government won't resign," Siniora said.
The leader of the Free Patriotic Movement also took a jab at the parliamentary majority, which he said it fears a constitutional vacuum in case the current government resigns.
"This fictitious majority cannot rule forever," said Aoun.
In a democracy, General, no one party or person rules forever. There is no reason to believe Siniora has any desire to live forever. Something the General will hopefully remember should he ever come to realize his dream of coming to power.
Claude Salhani is Editor of the Middle East Times. He may be contacted at claude@metimes.com.
Letter from the Editor
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